Travel & Leisure

The Gramercy Park, style and charm guaranteed

Gramercy Park, a highly awaited renovation of 18 months, undertaken by Ian Schrager, the contractor, was unveiled in 2006. The meeting place for rock stars, models and artists has become a venue oozing with charm and a highly appreciated, intimate atmosphere. A lovely fireplace, an oak wood ceiling, crimson velvet sofas, in pure, refined lines with warm tones give you a feeling of welcome. From the lovely wall tapestries in the Rose Bar to the ingenious furniture conceived of by reputable designers or art works that blend in well with the materials chosen by artist Julian Schnabel, in collaboration with Michael Overington and Anda Andrei, Ian Schrager’s partners. The result: a hotel along the lines of a private residence with different influences. The must, is a very beautiful terrace decked with trees and a greenhouse, surrounded by small lounges that surround the building offering a superb view of the Gramercy Park. And the icing on the cake, when it comes to gourmet dining, is Japanese Chef Yuji Watiya, who has recently come on board.
A charming hotel ideally located in the heart of New York with superb service.

Originality: a superb terrace/rooftop greenhouse that opens in summer. Surrounded by a number of small open lounges including the amazing Sofia Room. Many bulbs are suspended from the ceiling,

Gramercy Park Hotel
2 Lexington Avenue
Tel: + 1 212 920 33 00
www.gramercyparkhotel.com 
reservations@gramercyparkhotel.com 
Romms from 795 $
Loft from 975 €
 Wifi connection Internet
185 rooms, suites, lofts






Hotel Gansevoort for a trendy and young clientele

The site of the ancient quarter of the Gansevoort meat market is undergoing a complete transformation. Former historic warehouses and buildings are being converted into restaurants or shops. This is the case of Gansevoort, located in the very trendy Meatpacking district, this hotel created in 2004, belongs to the HKHotels Group. An ultra modern glass and zinc building with a very classical lobby, rooms in neutral, grey and parma, contemporary furniture with a fabulous view over the Hudson River. A very beautiful swimming pool with a retractable rooftop as well as a beautiful bar with a 360 ° panoramic view. Moreover, the hotel’s swimming pool has come 10th place in the very prestigious NY magazine ranking. Moreover, its spa, offering Korres products, that is located in the basement transforms into a discotheque evenings and attracts a very trendy, young and modern clientele. A steak house will be opening soon.

Originality : a spa that is converted into a discotheque evenings

Hôtel Gansevoort
18 Nineth Avenue (angle 13th street)
T: +1 212 206 6700
WIFI connection
187 Rooms
Duplex
www.hotelgansevoort.com
res@hotelgansevoort.com
From 495 $






The Inn at Irving Place, a secret get-away for lovers

Just imagine a small flight of stairs that leads to the discreet house of a master, without any signs, nestled in an enclave behind Union Square. Welcome to the Inn at Irving Place, a timeless English-style residence, built 14 years ago. Here you are at home, surrounded by small lounges where the tea ritual is taken seriously at Lady Mendl's. No passage way, no untimely noise, but whisperings, calm and tranquillity. That can be expected, as this residence only houses 12 old-fashioned Victorian-style rooms. Canopy beds and antique dressers furnish the rather small, but comfortable rooms. Plunge into the universe of novelist Edith Wharton and immerse yourself into another century for the time of a weekend.

Originality : you can take your tea in one of the small hotel lounges for the afternoon English tea lounge (five serving times), the Lady Mendl's or enjoy a Martini at the Martini Lounge.
Afternoon tea: 35 $ two bookings, 3 p.m. or 5 p.m., from Monday to Friday
T: + 1 212 533 4466

The Inn at Irving Place
56 Irving Place (entre 17th et 18th)
T: + 1 212 533 4600
 Small Luxury Hôtels
www.innatirving.com
innatirving@aol.com
12 rooms
3 appartments
From 445 $/Room with Breakfast.







The Lowell, warm, timeless and refined

Ideally located at 'Upper East Side’, very close to Central Park, this small elegant hotel opened 23 years ago, is distinguished by its refined and intimate atmosphere and its suites furnished with fireplaces. Some even have terraces overlooking Central Park and are furnished with small kitchens. This building, with an Art Déco façade, was built between 1925 and 1926 for Léo Wise. This hotel is a novelty, as it avails itself of the services of designer architect Josh Mason, on a full-time basis in order to maintain its unique style. As discreet as a country residence, its restaurant, the Pembroke Room, located on the second floor, cultivates its difference. Its Post House, specialized in steak and seafood, downstairs, is also very popular, charging between $18 and $ 65. Our favourite is the Manhattan Suite that caters to the glorious era of Art Déco, with chimney, two terraces, whirlpool and hammam.

Originality: several suites with a fireplace that actually works and a terrace.

The Lowell
28 East 63 th street 
T: + 1 212 838 1400
www.lowellhotel.com
reservations@lowellhotel.com
23 deluxe rooms and 47 suites
Penthouse
WIFI, fax
Base Ipod

W Union Square

The Guardian Life building that dates back to 1911, classified as a historic monument, was converted into a very trendy palace, that has retained traces of its past such as several stories and mosaics in the hallways. A sumptuous dance floor of the era still vibrates with fastidious receptions. An architectural shock that tapers off into a harmonious blending in. A majestic staircase that welcomes you at the reception, bordered by plants. Some suites with amazing names, (Fantastic, Spectacular) with corner lounges (No. 1205) blending in with dark woods, inside with leather and velvet in a contemporary spirit, but without any extravagance. Architect David Rockwell has created a harmonious, design and very trendy decor. The trademark of this hotel chain (5 in NY) is its "Whatever, Whenever" button of the telephone, "everything you want, whenever you want it " which has been proven to be effective. The Olives restaurant serves food with a Mediterranean inspiration in a rather Italian setting.

Originality : indoor plants that rundown the staircases

W Union Square
201 Park Avenue (17 th street)
T: +1 212 253 9119
www.whotels.com
270 rooms and suites
WIFI








Chambers: Trendy, artistic and intimate rooms

A trendy downtown hotel, opened seven years ago, has been placed under a creative streak, like its owner, Monsieur Casppi. Internationally famous or less famous artists have left their artistic touch by signing the walls in the different floors of the hotel by their creations as well as original works that decorate rooms and lobby.
No distinctive sign in the entrance, but a central fireplace welcomes you upon your arrival. A small living room overlooks the lobby. Rooms, studios and suites in grey tones are rather simplistic : sheen concrete walls, leather-covered wardrobes, walnut floors, small bathroom with only a large shower, and the mark of the very renown designer, David Rockwell. In the basement, a restaurant-bar very popular with the New York high society offers a fixed menu.

Originality: a winding roll of paper clipped onto the desk in each room with coloured crayons are available for any clients who get an artistic inspiration.

Chambers
15 West 56th street (entre Fifth et Sixth Avenue)
T: +1 212 974 5656
www.chambersnyc.com
chambershotel@aol.com
77 rooms and suites
free WIFI connection
From 575 $